Simulation-Based Performance Analysis of Impregnated Wood with Phase Change Material for Energy Efficient Timber Structures

Abstract

Organic phase change materials (PCMs) offer a promising approach to improving the energy efficiency and sustainability of buildings. Impregnating wood with PCMs presents the opportunity for its application in building construction to reduce energy consumption for heating and cooling of indoor spaces. In this study, the process of solid wood impregnation with PCMs was conducted, along with the characterisation of their thermal properties. To define an optimal melting point and quantity to be incorporated into test cubes exposed outdoors for long term in Kuchl (Austria), a digital model was used to simulate beech and spruce that were impregnated with PCMs featuring two differing melting points. The results show that incorporating PCM into walls and floor can potentially reduce summer overheating by up to 48%. This effect is achieved using a building design that includes wood impregnated with PCM with a lower melting point of around 21°C. However, the building design and use of the employed PCMs do not reduce energy consumption for heating during winter. The results show that the performance is strongly dependent on the melting point of the PCM and its quantity in the building. These findings contribute to improving the design of the experimental test cube with impregnated wood and highlight the challenges.